Visual vs Symbolic Language

     In this picture it looks as if there is being a ceremony held of some kind.  The man in front wearing a uniform has a missing hand, and it looks like perhaps a ceremony is being held honoring him and his bravery and strength as a soldier for our country. Perhaps he is being rewarded for all he has done and given up for our country.  Everyone in this picture is smiling, so it tells us that it is likely it is a positive type ceremony being held.  The man hugging the solider is also in tears, so perhaps he was his captain or knew him well, and knew all that the soldier did in battle.

     If I were describing this event to a visual impaired person,  I would tell them that someone lost a hand while fighting for our country and was being honored for it.  I would tell them that the ceremony is representing his strength, courage, and bravery to the world.  I would also mention the American flag hanging in the background and how that is a key symbol for our soldiers today.

Responses or feelings:

Gratitude

Happiness

Courage

Loyalty

Proud

America

Patriotism

Symbols:

Some symbols shown in this picture are the American flag- which denotes freedom, security, pride, and is a well known symbol to all Americans that brings unity to the United States.  Another symbol is the army print on one mans uniform- army print shows he is fighting for our country, could have been in battle, and is loyal to America.

Composition:

I think the composition of this photo holds mixed emotions.  Although it shows a soldier possibly losing his hand in combat, the positing of the two men hugging with tears and smiles on their faces gives the viewer hope, optimism, and positivity.  I think the placement of the flag in the background gives off that it is a certain ceremony, and that the structural height difference of the people behind the main soldier shows that they could be possibly on a podium standing in front of a large crowd.